Sweet Epiphany

Chapter Three: Little Brown

– Zach –

I stand before the campus doors, second-guessing my decision to study in Glenworth. The first day wasn't exactly pleasant, but it wasn't bad. It's in between. Everything is in between.

I bite my inner cheek, strangely aware of how much time is passing, yet it feels like it isn't moving at all. It was at this exact spot yesterday when I bumped into her, Little Brown. It didn't take me long to recognize her as the same girl, the one with the brown hair, and since I never got to know her name, I needed a fitting replacement. Clearly, a random name like Anna wasn't going to cut it.

I returned home yesterday to uncover a bruise on my chest from where she hit her head. I don't remember feeling any pain when it happened, but getting a bruise from bumping into a girl? That's a first.

Strange how I could recognize her, though.

In a few more minutes, I'm going to have to decide between taking an extra class or joining a club. My decision should be easy, all I have to do is recognize what I'd prioritize more: knowledge or social experience. Most of my attempt at socializing ends up in flames, explaining why I avoid making excessive conversations. After all, I've decided a long time ago that I'm better off being alone.

I tap on my phone to check the time. It is five minutes to two.

Heaving an airy sigh, I make my way into the building, stopping by a notice board to study the campus map. I tilt my head sideways, squinting as I try to make out the directions. Is this map done for ants or something?

"Looking for the hall too?" A voice emerges.

I snap my head to the left and find myself looking at a guy with dirt blonde hair and a fringe that was half-covering his right eye. From my angle, it is covering his entire face.

"You know, the multipurpose hall, where the clubs are at." He says with a friendly smile. It isn't until I notice the freckles on the bridge of his nose that I realize how close we are standing from each other.

Personal space. Personal space.

"I'm Lucas, you can call me Luke for short." He extends a hand and I shake it naturally.

"Zach." I say, dismissing my initial judgment. I've finally met someone who isn't out to hurt me, I suppose that's a start.

"I think, this big rectangle here is where we're supposed to go." Lucas, or Luke, continues, placing his finger on the upper right corner of the diagram. I take the opportunity to take one step back, making sure it isn't obvious. "Wait, you are looking for the hall too, right?"

"Now that I know where it is, I guess I no longer have a valid excuse for missing it." I utter, mostly to myself.

"Why'd you wanna miss that? Clubs are fun." Luke says. "I think I'm gonna join the Student Council. There was this cute chick who passed me this flyer yesterday, she turned red when she was talking to me. I think I may have a chance."

I shift my head faintly, remembering my own encounter. We're probably thinking of the same person.

"You mean the girl with blonde hair?" I ask.

"Yeah, did you talk to her too?" he frowns, looking concerned. "Was she blushing?"

I think back to the moment yesterday when her cheeks were bright pink.

"Nope." I lie. "She looked like she couldn't care less about me."

"So I am special! Man, now I can't wait to see her." He pumps his clenched fist into the air, his spirits clearly increasing. I mentally calculate the amount of energy it takes to do that. "Hey, it's already time, we should go."